As has been inferred before about Tesla's OTA updates with regard to its limitations, here's an example were a processor changewas necessitated for the AP function and an OTA update, e.g. a firmware solution, wasn't possible. And this is a propriety TeslaECU, i.e. the AP function. So when ECUs are sourced from outside vendors, e.g. ABS/stability control, OTA updates become even more difficult to nearly impossible. As indicated, OTA updates are available for the older AP system, but that system would not have all the capabilities of the later system design, i.e. a newer processor and possible newer system features.

In a recent tweet, Elon Musk confirmed that Tesla Model S and Model X owners whose vehicles are equipped with older Media Control Units could be retrofitted with the company’s new x86_64-based MCU.

lorenfb wrote:here's an example were a processor changewas necessitated for the AP function and an OTA update, e.g. a firmware solution, wasn't possible.

That's not what it says. New cars have to so-called MCU2, which is merely newer, faster hardware. OTA updates will still occur and deliver the same features to the older cars (with the older, 6 year old MCU1 platform). Just like cars with AP1 hardware are getting new features. Where does it say otherwise?

If you want to point out negatives, there are plenty that can be picked from the bones here.People want the new MCU2 because the touchscreen is more responsive (faster). That is, older cars are slower. Because Tesla doesn't do model years, the MCU2 just started showing up on new cars one day. Some people are annoyed because their car didn't get an MCU2 but one delivered days later did.

jlv wrote:New cars have to so-called MCU2, which is merely newer, faster hardware. OTA updates will still occur and deliver the same features to the older cars (with the older, 6 year old MCU1 platform). Just like cars with AP1 hardware are getting new features. Where does it say otherwise?[/b].

An overly simplistic assumption on your part, that the new processor was only for a speed enhancement and not for future features/functionsenhancements. It's not a simple re-design process to change a processor type, especially for just a speed enhancement. Tesla is thinking morelong term with Intel. Yes, some present OTAs to the MCU will continue.

You just stated they did this because it's to enable something that can't be done with an OTA. You've no evidence of this.

I've a car with an MCU1. I've played with an MCU2. It's more responsive. It's got a newer, much faster processors. It's certainly possible it will, in the future, enable something that can't be done on MCU1. Hardware upgrades happen all the time. Tesla is on AP2.5 hardware, which has slightly more redundancy than AP2 (which my car has).

Somehow you are trying to twist this to show that OTAs are not so powerful.

Last week I got 2018.16 in my S. The unannounced new feature of this release is: they broke the heated steering wheel. It just doesn't get warm at all. Many owners reporting this after this update (myself included: https://teslamotorsclub.com/tmc/threads ... 16.113936/). I expect a 2018.16.1 or 2018.17 soon to fix it.

This means I'll have to bring the S in for another service to get it replaced (under warranty). Last week, while it was in for the first year PM service, they ended up replacing the rear hatch lifters because those on my S had started to squeak and were showing rust.

I've never owned such an expensive car and I've certainly never had this many issues with one.

So there are plenty of legitimate negatives to raise about Tesla and their products. Trying to say the introduction of the MCU2 shows some failing of the OTA process just doesn't make sense to me.

jlv wrote:I've never owned such an expensive car and I've certainly never had this many issues with one.

That said, I'm still a very happy owner (*). The car is still a pleasure to drive. Just yesterday we did a 420 mile round trip, starting in Massachusetts, through the NH mountains, up to Maine, and back home. 2 supercharging stops. We've now hit 19K miles on it.

(*) I often point out, somewhat sarcastically, that having paid as much as I did, I have to claim I'm happy no matter what.

I got the OTA Nav system update three days ago, which significantly improves the Nav system performance and interface. Quite pleased with it. (I have an older, pre-AP, car — AP would be useless where I live anyway — so the update is not limited to newer cars.)